Trending Now: Two-Piece Bridesmaids' Looks

It used to be that bridesmaids all wore the same exact dress—in the same style, the same fabric, and the same color. As one story goes, the tradition of having bridesmaids first came to be in early England, when the bride would surround herself with friends wearing outfits identical to her own to confuse evil spirits that might want to curse her. Another tale tells that bridesmaids accompanied the bride to protect her from anyone attempting to steal her dowry. Thankfully, these days the roles have shifted, and the rules for bridesmaids matching one another—much less the bride—have too.

In recent years, we've seen mix-and-match bridal parties, multiple colors worn within the group, and dresses chosen in the same fabric but various styles. The latest bridesmaids' fashion trend gives you even more freedom than ever. Two-piece looks, otherwise known as separates, have become popular with bridal parties everywhere, and we can't get enough of how chic these outfits can be.

Mixing tops and various bottoms can create a bridesmaids' look that's truly one-of-a-kind. We love this pair, in their Mrs Rose floral-print crop tops with sheer, sleeved overlay and matching long skirts seen here, but you don't have to dress your party in the same pattern or fabric from head-to-toe. You can choose to blend patterns with solids or opt for a two-tone look if that's more your style. The built-in bonus is that if your girls wear separates, they're twice as likely to wear each part of their outfit again!

Stylish and Seasonal

Going the two-piece route allows you to outfit your bridal party for any temperature. Here, classic cashmere sweaters from J.Crew were tucked into custom silk faille skirts that showed off suede Gianvito Rossi pumps. Even though the colors were mixed, the ensembles look perfectly planned.

Back in Black

Consider keeping the tops the same but letting your ladies select their bottoms, like at this wedding, where lace tops from Bianca Spender were paired with skirts and pants the bridesmaids picked out themselves.

For this fall fête, bridesmaids wore custom separates by Belle New York—lace tops with brocade high-low skirts in shades of blush. Want something similar without going custom? Bring the skirts to a tailor to alter the hemlines to whatever length (or style) suits your day's vibe.

Even though the separates for this bridal party's outfits were by two different designers—the tops were Natori, the skirts were Catherine Deane—they both came from BHLDN and look like they were made to be worn together.

Color Blocking Cool

These bridesmaids chose an assortment of dark tops to wear over custom-made green skirts ordered from an Etsy vendor. Depending on the season and climate, you could make this look work for any wedding.

Shades of Blue

This bride channeled her love of separates into her big day by outfitting her bridesmaids in wrap skirts made in soft blue fabrics by a seamstress. Each of the ladies picked out a delicate white top to round out the ensemble.

At this winter wedding in the South, the bride's friend and sister wore matching Ralph Lauren tops and Carmen Marc Valvo skirts. The luxe materials and saturated colors made them look extra fashionable.